TOASTMASTERS ® INTERNATIONAL How to Build a Toastmasters Club A Step-By-Step Guide TOASTMASTERS ® INTERNATIONAL How to Build a Toastmasters Club A Step-By-Step Guide Toastmasters International 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 USA or PO Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690 USA 949-858-8255 • Fax: 949-858-1207 www.toastmasters.org ©2003, 2007 Toastmasters International. Educational materials produced and distributed by Toastmasters International are intended for use as part of the Toastmasters educational program only. This publication is produced by Toastmasters International and may not be used outside of the Toastmasters program nor reproduced in full or in part without written permission from World Headquarters. The name “Toastmasters International,” “Toastmasters” and the Toastmasters International emblem are trademarks protected in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, Bahrain, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and most other countries where there are Toastmasters clubs. Clubs may use these trademarks on stationery, newsletters and other printed matter intended for communications purposes. However, these trademarks may not be placed, engraved or otherwise used on items such as trophies, certificates, plaques, badges, banners, clothing, ties, jewelry, mugs, or any other items without the express written consent of the Executive Director. All club and district officers are asked to report to the Executive Director all instances of illegal reproduction of copyrighted materials and illegal use of Toastmasters International trademarks. Toastmasters International will pursue full legal recourse for any unauthorized use of its copyrighted materials and trademarks. Updated April 2008 Item 121 Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 First Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Forming a Community Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Forming a Corporate Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Forming an Advanced Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Splitting a Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 New Club Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Demonstration Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Demonstration Meeting Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Follow up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Alternative Demonstrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Charter Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Standards for a Successful Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Introduction So, you’ve decided to organize a new Toastmasters club. What now? This guide gives you the information and resources you need. Did you know that more than 1,000 new Toastmasters clubs are started every year? Your efforts contribute to helping hundreds of thousands of people around the world become more powerful communicators and leaders! First Steps Toastmasters clubs are formed every day in a variety of settings. They meet onsite at corporations, churches, community centers – even in restaurants. Community clubs: Open to anyone Company clubs: Open to employees of an organization (often called “closed”) In either type of club, membership cannot be restricted according to age (except those persons under 18), race, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or physical or mental disability, so long as the individual is able to participate in the program. New clubs must charter with a minimum of 20 members. Only three of the first 20 may be dual members (members of another club). Once you’ve decided the type of club you want to form, seek help from other people. Local Toastmasters representatives should be willing to help you or you may contact the New Clubs team at Toastmasters International World Headquarters. They can work with you to assemble a team of people who will provide help and support for the club for up to one year. The team includes: Club sponsor Each new club may have up to two sponsors. Sponsors are responsible for: Marketing the new club idea to prospective members Helping with meetings Assisting with forms Planning the charter presentation Club mentor Each new club may have up to two mentors appointed by the district governor. Mentors should: Provide guidance during the first six months to one year of its existence Be experienced Toastmasters who may join the new club 4 How to Build a Toastmasters Club Sponsoring club Sometimes, the members of a club may help to start a new club. They may: Present the demonstration meeting Offer encouragement and advice Attend the new club’s charter presentation Earn the “Founder’s Award” club banner ribbon Forming a Community Club If you are starting a community club and your support team is in place, you are ready to begin! 1. Plan a demonstration meeting, which shows: The benefits of Toastmasters How a club meeting is conducted Information about demonstration meetings is on page 8. Schedule the meeting two to four weeks in advance to allow plenty of time to publicize and promote. Purchase promotion materials via the online store: www.toastmasters.org/shop. 2. Publicize the demonstration meeting: Send personal invitations to colleagues and friends Submit announcements to local newspapers Post notices on community Web sites and bulletin boards Invite others, such as employees of local businesses, church groups, military personnel, etc. Forming a Corporate Club The key to success in starting a corporate club is to gain the support of a decision maker within the organization, who can authorize the club formation. 1. Schedule an appointment with the human resources director or other high-level executive. 2. Prepare for the meeting. Be able to discuss the value of Toastmasters training. 3. Ask for the company’s support in forming the new club. Determine what portion of the club costs the company will pay, if any. Companies show their support for Toastmasters in many ways. Often, the company pays the charter fee and new member fees, while members may pay their own dues. Some companies pay for the banner and other club materials. 4. Arrange a time and place to conduct a demonstration meeting. 5. Plan a demonstration meeting, which shows: The benefits of Toastmasters How a club meeting is conducted Information about demonstration meetings is on page 8. Schedule the meeting two to four weeks in advance to allow plenty of time to publicize and promote. Purchase promotional materials via the online store: www.toastmasters.org/shop. How to Build a Toastmasters Club 5 6. Publicize the demonstration meeting: Post notices on company intranet and bulletin boards Invite all employees and extend a special invitation to company officials Include fliers or brochures in employee’s pay envelopes Forming an Advanced Club Occasionally, a group wants to charter a special club to focus on developing advanced skills. In advanced clubs, members: Hear advanced-level presenters Receive evaluations and feedback from experienced members Advanced clubs must have a minimum of 20 members. Some advanced clubs require membership in another club (dual membership). Most require members to have received the Competent Communicator (CC) or the Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) award. Advanced clubs follow the same charter process as other clubs. New member kits are not sent for an advanced club unless you request them. If the advanced club chooses to: Require dual membership, only three of the first 20 may be transfer members. Not require dual membership, only three of the first 20 may be dual members. Splitting a Club Toastmasters International recommends that a club have 20 to 30 members. Clubs with more than 40 members may benefit from splitting into two clubs. When you submit the charter paperwork and payment, include a letter stating the club is splitting. New member kits are not sent unless requested. Transferring members do not pay membership dues or new member fees as long as their dues are current in the club from which they are transferring. Each club must have a minimum of 20 members after splitting. All members of the new club may be transfer members. Before a club may split, members of the existing club must agree to it. Be sure that experienced, active members are evenly divided into both clubs. New Club Finances Begin to collect payment for dues and fees during or soon after the club’s first meeting. In many countries (including the United States) a club must register as a not-for-profit association before a bank account may be opened. More financial information may be found at www.toastmasters.org/FinancialResources. If a club has collected payments, but does not have a bank account of its own, it may designate a club officer to: Hold the payments until the club has opened an account Hold the payments until they are sent to Toastmasters International Deposit the payments into another club’s account temporarily 6 How to Build a Toastmasters Club United States tax law requires that all U.S. clubs have an Employer Identification Number (EIN). World Headquarters will apply for an EIN on behalf of the club when the chartering process is complete. The number will be maintained in the club’s permanent records. With the EIN, the club will be able to open its own bank account. An EIN is simply a type of tax identification number and does not imply that a club would ever or could ever have employees. Each year, World Headquarters submits a summary of all U.S. clubs and their EINs to the IRS. How to Build a Toastmasters Club 7 Demonstration Meeting A demonstration meeting is your opportunity to show prospective members how a Toastmasters club meeting is conducted and what the Toastmasters program can do for them. An agenda for a demonstration meeting appears on page 9. A typical demonstration meeting requires eight or more experienced Toastmasters, each of whom assumes a meeting role, such as: Toastmaster Timer Ah-counter/grammarian General evaluator Speaker Evaluator Topicsmaster Ideas to help you: Keep the meeting short. Your goal is to pique interest. Do not go overtime! Select a demonstration team that mirrors the audience’s demographics. At a minimum include a short Table Topics session, a prepared speech and an evaluation. Select a relatively inexperienced speaker who will be less likely to intimidate the prospective members and will show them that Toastmasters offers something for everyone. A second speaker may be more advanced, showing a higher skill level. Invite representatives of the sponsoring organization (if any). Their presence will confirm the meeting’s importance to the organization. After the demonstration portion of the program: Conduct a brief question-and-answer session. Ask members to share Toastmasters success stories. Introduce the representatives of the sponsoring organization (if any). Introduce the sponsor(s) and mentor(s), emphasizing that when the club is chartered the mentor(s) will help the club through its first six months to one year. Explain charter fees, membership and supplementary club dues and other potential costs, such as club banner, membership pins and other administrative supplies the club will need. Conclude the demonstration meeting: Announce the date, time and place of the next meeting. Collect the completed application forms and payment from those who have decided to join. Obtain enough money to pay the charter fee. Fees to consider: • $125: One-time charter fee • $20: New-member fee per person • $27: Six months' membership dues per person • Each group may charge supplementary club dues to help cover other expenses, if needed Please note: All payments must be in U.S. dollars 8 How to Build a Toastmasters Club Demonstration Meeting Outline Date: Objectives: □ Demonstrate the components of a typical Toastmasters meeting. □ Discuss the charter process. □ Assign second meeting responsibilities and review specific responsibilities with each assignee. Topics To Cover: □ Charter process. □ Explanation of key meeting roles (see A Toastmaster Wears Many Hats, Item 1167D or the Competent Communication (Item 225) and Competent Leadership (Item 265) manuals.) Meeting Agenda: Welcome Introduction/Explanation of Key Meeting Roles Toastmaster: Timer: Ah-counter/grammarian: General evaluator: Evaluator: Topicsmaster: Table Topics Session Introduction of Speaker Speaker: Evaluator: General Evaluation Discussion of Charter Process Explain Toastmasters International’s dues structure and determine club dues. Collect sufficient additional dues to cover the $125.00 charter fee. Questions/Comments Tip: You may wish to show the Welcome to Toastmasters! DVD (Item 244DVD). Additional meeting outlines are found at www.toastmasters.org/newclubs How to Build a Toastmasters Club 9 Follow Up Often, prospective clubs meet several times before they can complete the charter requirements. Your goal is to keep everyone enthusiastic and charter the new club as quickly as possible. To help you plan for each pre-charter club meeting, use the weekly meeting outlines at www.toastmasters.org/newclubs. Remember to: Send a thank you and meeting reminder notice to all attendees Follow up with a phone call several days before the next meeting Communicate with temporary officers and scheduled meeting participants to confirm duties for the next meeting Alternative Demonstrations Although most demonstration meetings are conducted by eight or more Toastmasters, it is possible to do it with fewer – even with one! You will be the Toastmaster and select prospective members to fill the meeting roles, then guide the group through a typical Toastmasters meeting. Sometimes resources are limited and a typical demonstration meeting is not possible. You may want to show the Welcome to Toastmasters! DVD (Item 244DVD), which includes real testimonials and a 15-minute Toastmasters meeting in action. Charter Presentation This marks the debut of the new Toastmasters club! It is an excellent opportunity to recognize those who helped form the club and to generate publicity. The club is officially chartered when World Headquarters has received and processed all documents and payments. Allow four to six weeks (six to eight weeks outside the U.S. and Canada) for the district governor (or club president if the club is undistricted) to receive the club charter and charter member certificates. Consider this time as you select a date for the charter presentation. Extend invitations to: Members of the sponsoring club Friends and family of the new members Members of nearby Toastmasters clubs Local community or business leaders District governor or other district officers At the charter presentation, you will conduct a brief Toastmasters meeting. Toward the end of the program, you will introduce the district governor or other district officer, who will deliver a brief speech explaining the purpose of Toastmasters, then make the formal charter presentation. To conclude the meeting, you may read the letter sent to the club from Toastmasters International, welcoming them to Toastmasters. 10 How to Build a Toastmasters Club Standards for a Successful Club Toastmasters clubs provide a positive learning environment. When members actively participate, they learn to become better communicators and leaders and the club fulfills its purpose. All clubs must: Meet at least 12 times per year (weekly meetings are recommended) Hold regular meetings conducted in person Have members give oral speeches and give and receive oral evaluations Give members the opportunity to develop and practice leadership skills Your new club will be successful when it: Meets every week Meets continuously throughout the year Participates in area, division and district functions First impressions: Sergeant at arms sets up the room in advance Meeting location is pleasant and comfortable Greet guests warmly and introduce guests to others Ask guests to fill out guest information form or guest book Introduce and welcome guests during the meeting Members enthusiastically participate and fill in for members who are unable to attend Program planning and meeting organization: Members carry out all assignments to the best of their ability Speeches from the Competent Communication and Advanced Communication manuals are required Each member receives a meeting agenda Members with meeting roles explain their duties to the group The program is pre-planned and participants are informed at least a week in advance of their responsibilities Topicsmaster prepares thought-provoking Table Topics Meeting starts and ends on time Guests are invited to become members when they visit The club operates from a six-month educational plan based on the educational and social needs of the membership Evaluations are based on project objectives and the individual learning needs of the member How to Build a Toastmasters Club 11 12 How to Build a Toastmasters Club Forms How to Build a Toastmasters Club 13 Charter Forms Checklist The official charter date is when all charter forms and payments are received by Toastmasters International World Headquarters. Electronic forms are found at www.toastmasters.org/newclubs. Complete and submit the following forms and payment: Form 1 Application to Organize a Toastmasters Club form Form 2 Charter Payments: $125: charter fee with the Application to Organize (if not previously sent) $20: new-member fee per person $27: six months' membership dues per person ($21 for undistricted clubs) Form 3 Toastmasters Charter Membership Application (one required per member) Form 4 Charter Club Officer Information form Form 5 Club Information form Form 6 Toastmasters Club Constitution and Bylaws with certificate of club adoption and certificate of secretary Upon receipt of completed forms and payment, Toastmasters International will send a charter kit, which includes club administrative materials and 20 new member kits. The charter kit is sent via surface mail unless you request a faster method and pay for it in advance. Once the charter forms are submitted, no changes may be made to the charter membership list. Clubs chartering in September or March (the last months of the dues renewals periods) may wish to submit membership dues amounting to $31.50 per person. The extra $4.50 per person will be used to pay the prorated renewal dues. By doing this, your club will not have to collect dues from each member twice in two months. For clubs not assigned to districts, the amount would be $24.50. The extra $3.50 per person will be used to pay the prorated renewal dues. Please note: All payments must be in U.S. dollars Send completed forms and payment to: Toastmasters International New Clubs Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690 USA Courier Address: 23182 Arroyo Vista • Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 USA 14 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 949-858-8255 Fax: 949-858-1207 How to Build a Toastmasters Club Ap pli ca tio n # 1 t oO rg a niz Application to Organize a Toastmasters Club e Send completed forms and payment to: 23182 Arroyo Vista • Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 USA PO Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690 USA • Phone: 949-858-8255 • Fax: 949-858-1207 The undersigned applicant club, operating provisionally as a Toastmasters club since ___________________ , _________ hereby applies for membership in Toastmasters International in accordance with Article III, Section 3, of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Toastmasters International and requests permission to organize a Toastmasters club in: City ________________________________________ State/Province __________________ Country ________________________________ Date ______________________. It is understood that such permission when granted will give this group the right to use the name, procedures and materials of Toastmasters International as a provisional club for four (4) months from the date received by World Headquarters. It is agreed that the right to use the Toastmasters emblem, the name Toastmaster or Toastmasters shall be conditioned upon permission for such use being granted by Toastmasters International; such use shall be discontinued if Charter is not granted, or if applicant club shall be required to do so at any time in the future for cause by Toastmasters International. In order to qualify for a charter, a club must have a minimum of 20 members, 17 of whom cannot belong to another Toastmasters club.* All Toastmasters clubs must meet the following minimum requirements: meet at least twelve (12) times per year; have members give oral speeches and give and receive oral evaluations; and give members the opportunity to develop and practice leadership skills. Membership in a Toastmasters club is by invitation only, and is subject to a vote by the members of the club. No person shall be excluded from membership in a Toastmasters club, and no member shall be deliberately discriminated against, in the conduct of official Toastmasters programs, because of age (except those persons under 18 years of age), race, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability, so long as the individual, through his or her own efforts, is able to participate in the program. If granted, the Charter and membership may be revoked by Toastmasters International for cause including, but not restricted to: Conduct unbecoming a Toastmasters club; failure to remain in good standing with Toastmasters International; or abandonment of the Charter and membership by applicant club. As club correspondent and on behalf of the applicant club, I agree to the terms and conditions listed above. Signed, ____________________________________ _________________________ Date _________________________ . Please type or print the following information: Correspondent’s Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________ Sponsoring Organization (if applicable) ____________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 2 – Both pages are required to process application Please make 1 copy of this document and mail to World Headquarters. Keep the original in your club’s permanent records. How to Build a Toastmasters Club 15 Ap pli ca # 1 n t tio oO Payment: rg a Charter fee of $125.00 (U.S.) is not refundable or transferrable. Clubs meeting in the state of California must include sales tax of 7.75% for a total of $134.69. Check / Postal Money Order (U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank, payable to Toastmasters International) Number _______________ Credit Card □ VISA Amount $ _______________ □ MasterCard □ AMEX □ Discover Card Number _____________________________________________________ __ Expiration Date _______________ Name as it appears on Credit Card __________________________________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT Signature ______________________________________________________________________________________ Membership Category Language for Kits Qty New Member Kits □ Community Club □ Chinese (Simplified) ___________ □ Company Club □ Chinese (Traditional) ___________ Name of Organization _________________________ □ English ___________ □ Advanced Club □ French ___________ □ Other □ German ___________ Specify _____________________________________ □ Japanese ___________ □ Spanish ___________ □ Visually Impaired ___________ If you know you will need fewer than 20 New Member Kits, please specify quantity you think you will need. Twenty kit maximum if only submitting charter fee. Sponsoring Club (up to two): This is an existing Toastmasters club that assists in the formation of the applicant club. Club No. _______________________ Club No. _______________________ Individual Toastmaster Sponsors (up to two): These are individuals who assist in the formation of the club before charter is granted. Name __________________________________________________________ Member No. ___________________ Name __________________________________________________________ Member No. ___________________ Individual Toastmaster Mentors (up to two): These are individuals who assist the club for at least six months after charter is granted. Name __________________________________________________________ Member No. ___________________ Name __________________________________________________________ Member No. ___________________ New Club Alignment: District ______________ Division ______________________ Area ____________________ *Except in the case of advanced clubs where dual membership is a prerequisite. Page 2 of 2 – Both pages are required to process application Toastmasters International, The Toastmaster, and the Toastmasters International emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered in the United States, Canada, and many other countries. 16 How to Build a Toastmasters Club niz e Ch ar # 2 rP a te ym en Charter Payments ts Submitted by _______________________________________ CLUB NAM E WHQ USE ONLY Toastmasters Club of _________________________________ CITY & STATE/PROVINC E Charter No. _________________ District ______ C O U N T RY In compliance with the provisions of the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, we the undersigned president and secretary of the above-named club, hereby certify that on this date the membership of this club is shown below, and that there is due Toastmasters International the amount shown in item 7 below. Note: Minimum requirement for the issuance of a charter is 20 members (17 of whom cannot belong to another club, except in the case of advanced clubs where dual membership is a prerequisite). $125 _____________ 1. Charter fee of $125 (if not previously paid) 2. Total number of new members listed on form #3 _________ (How many need new member kits?) _________ @ $20 _____________ 3. Total dual members _________ (How many need new member kits?) _________ @ $20 _____________ Total reinstated members _________ (How many need new member kits?) _________ @ $20 _____________ Total transfer members _________ (How many need new member kits?) _________ @ $20 _____________ (Transfer members must be active in an existing club in order to be considered a transfer member.) 4. Total dollar amount for lines 1-3 _____________ 5. California clubs add 7.75% sales tax: Line 4 x .0775 _____________ 6. Total number of members paid _________ $27.00 if districted $21.00 if undistricted _____________ 7. Total amount enclosed: Add lines 4, 5 and 6 _____________ Method of Payment Check / Postal Money Order (U.S. Funds drawn on a U.S. bank, payable to Toastmasters International) Number _______________ Credit Card □ VISA Amount $ _______________ □ MasterCard □ AMEX □ Discover Card Number _____________________________________________________ __ Expiration Date _______________ Name as it appears on Credit Card __________________________________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT Signature ______________________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Pursuant to the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, Toastmasters clubs are required to remit membership payments semiannually in April and October. At the next reporting period (April or October), the club will be required to submit a prorated membership payment for the period beginning with the end of the initial six months payment to either March 31 or September 30, whichever occurs first. Forms for this report will be sent to the club by World Headquarters. If only the charter fee has been paid, remittance must be made for item 6 above when application forms are submitted. The charter kit which is provided upon receipt of the charter fee, contains new member kits for 20 members. Kits for additional members over 20 are provided only upon submission of the dues and service charge payments and all charter forms. Membership dues for a new club’s charter members are not prorated. Signed ________________________________________ PRESIDENT Date ________________________________________ Signed _______________________________________ SECRETARY Date _________________________________________ How to Build a Toastmasters Club 17 18 How to Build a Toastmasters Club Ch ar # te Ap r M pli em ca be tio rs n hip Toastmasters Charter Membership Application Membership Type: 嘷 New 嘷 Reinstated (break in membership) 嘷 Renewing (no break in membership) 嘷 Dual 嘷 Transfer from club number / name WHQ USE ONLY Club Number: District Number: Month / Year Joined: ____________________________________ _ □□□□□□□□ Member # (if known) 3 Club Name: ____________________________________ City: ______________________ LAST NAME / SURNAME / FAMILY NAME: FIRST NAME / GIVEN NAME: MIDDLE INITIAL / NAME: OTHER ADDRESS INFO ( FLOOR NUMBER, BUILDING NUMBER, MAIL STOP ): ADDRESS LINE 1 ( APARTMENT OR SUITE NUMBER ): ADDRESS LINE 2 ( HOUSE / BUILDING NUMBER, STREET NAME ): CITY: STATE / PROVINCE: 嘷 MALE 嘷 FEMALE COUNTRY: ZIP / POSTAL CODE: HOME PHONE NUMBER: CELL PHONE NUMBER: WORK PHONE NUMBER: FAX NUMBER: E-MAIL: _________________________________________________________________________ □ New Member Kit preference for new members only: 嘷 English 嘷 Chinese (Simplified) 嘷 French 嘷 German 嘷 Spanish 嘷 Cassette Tape (visually impaired only) 嘷 Japanese Selected materials in the new member 嘷 Chinese (Traditional) kit are available in English only. Please do not send promotions to me from Toastmasters International’s partners. New Member Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. $20.00 Paid only by new members. Covers costs of the New Member Kit and processing. California clubs add 7.75% sales tax ($1.55) $ ______________________________ Total $ ______________________________ $ ______________________________ PAYMENT INFORMATION: Check / Postal Money Order Credit Card No. ______________________ Amount $ ______________________ □ Visa □ MasterCard □ AMEX □ Discover Card No. ________________________________________ Exp. Date __________________ Name as it appears on Credit Card (please print) ___________________________________________________________________________ Signature ______________________________________________________ PLEASE READ AND COMPLETE THE OTHER SIDE How to Build a Toastmasters Club 19 Ch ar # te Ap r M pli em ca be tio rs n hip By my signature below, I agree to the terms of A Toastmaster’s Promise, and the Indemnification and Release stated below, and certify that I am 18 years of age or older, in compliance with the Toastmasters International Club Constitution. SIGNED: __________________________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT By my signature below, I certify that this individual has joined the Toastmasters club identified above. As a club, we will ensure that this member receives proper orientation and mentoring. SIGNED: __________________________________________________________________________________ CLUB OFFICER In order for this application to be valid both signatures are required. A Toastmaster’s Promise As a member of Toastmasters International and my club, I promise to: Attend club meetings regularly Prepare all of my speeches to the best of my ability, basing them on projects in the Communication and Leadership Program manual or the Advanced Communication and Leadership Program manuals Prepare for and fulfill meeting assignments Provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations; Help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow Serve my club as an officer when called upon to do so Treat my fellow club members and our guests with respect and courtesy Bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers Adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters educational and recognition programs Maintain honest and highly ethical standards during the conduct of all Toastmasters activities Member’s Agreement and Release Consistent with my desire to take personal responsibility for my conduct, individually and as a member of a Toastmasters club, I agree to abide by the principles contained in “A Toastmaster’s Promise” and the governing documents and policies of Toastmasters International and my club. I will refrain from any form of discrimination, harassment, derogatory, illegal, or unethical conduct, and I understand that if I engage in such conduct, I may be responsible to reimburse Toastmasters International, my club or other clubs, or other individuals involved with Toastmasters, for any damages, losses, or costs resulting from my conduct. Understanding that Toastmasters programs are conducted by volunteers who cannot be effectively screened or supervised by Toastmasters International or its clubs, I release and discharge Toastmasters International, its clubs, governing bodies, and representatives from any liability for the intentional or negligent acts or omissions of any member or officer of my club or other clubs, or any officer of Toastmasters International. By submitting this application, I agree to the collection, use and processing of the personal information I provide to Toastmasters in this Membership Application for the purposes of organization administration, payment of my dues, and inclusion of my contact information in a members’ directory that will be distributed to members and employees of Toastmasters. By submitting my personal information to Toastmasters, I also agree that my information may be accessed and used by Toastmasters and its employees and agents, and will be transferred to countries that are not regarded as having adequate data protection, including to Toastmasters’ headquarters in the United States. I agree to notify [email protected] of any change to my personal information, including making any requests to check, delete or correct my personal information, so that it is accurate and current. I understand that the majority of the data requested in this application is necessary for administrative and planning purposes, and that the failure to provide this information may prevent my application from being properly processed or inclusion of my contact information in the members’ directory. CLUB OFFICER – Please keep a copy for your club’s records. If mailing, send to: New Clubs, Toastmasters International, P.O. Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690 USA. If faxing, send to: 949-858-1207. NOTE: Please submit information via one method only to avoid duplication. This form must accompany all charter documents. Printed in USA – Revised 5/2008 20 How to Build a Toastmasters Club Form 400C 3 # C fic har er ter Inf Cl or ub m at ion Of Charter Club Officer Information 4 WHQ USE ONLY Term of Office (check only one box and fill in year) Club No. _________________ District No. ________ Ë Annual (July 1, ________ to June 30, ________ ) Ë Semiannual (July 1 to December 31, ________ ) Ë Semiannual (January 1 to June 30, ________ ) NOTE: Toastmasters International’s Club Constitution and Bylaws state club officer terms must conform to the above schedule. Only those clubs that meet weekly may elect officers for semiannual terms. Minimum Officer Requirements: Clubs must report at least a president, one vice president, and a secretary or secretary/treasurer, and these offices must be held by three different individuals. President Vice President Education Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________ Member No. (if known) ____________________ Member No. (if known) ____________________ Vice President Membership Vice President Public Relations Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________ Member No. (if known) ____________________ Member No. (if known) ____________________ Secretary Treasurer Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________ Member No. (if known) ____________________ Member No. (if known) ____________________ Sergeant at Arms Ë Check this box if all officers Name ________________________________ mailing addresses are the same Member No. (if known) ____________________ How to Build a Toastmasters Club 21 Cl ub ion WHQ USE ONLY Please type or print clearly Club Name: ______________________________________________ Charter No. _________________ District ______ Contact Information: Club Contact Phone Number: ____________________________________________________________________ Club Contact E-mail: __________________________________________________________________________ Club Web Site: ________________________________________________________________________________ Ë Weekly Ë 1st & 3rd Ë 2nd & 4th Meeting Day______________________________________________ Meeting Time: _______________________ Meeting Place: ________________________________________________________________________________ Facility (if applicable): __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ __ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: _________________________ Country: ____________________________________________________ Postal Code: ______________________ Please check the box that best describes your club: Ë Ë Ë Ë Ë Ë Ë Ë Ë 1. Community 2. Company 3. Government Agency 4. Military 5. Correctional Institution 6. College 7. Church 8. Advanced Toastmasters 9. Other List sponsoring company/governing agency/school/other, etc.: __________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Is your club: Ë Open to all interested persons Ë Open only to members of a specific organization or group Group Exemption Authorization Return with Charter Application Forms (U.S. clubs only) to Toastmasters International You are authorized to include this Toastmasters club: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ in the application for group exemption filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Signed __________________________________________________ Date ________________________________ 22 How to Build a Toastmasters Club m at Club Information Club Meeting Information: # 5 or Inf # Cl Toa ub st Co ma ns ste tit rs ut ion 6 Toastmasters Club Constitution for Member Clubs of Toastmasters International (Revised August 1994 ) CERTIFICATE OF CLUB ADOPTION T HE UNDERSIGNED , being the validly elected and duly acting President and Secretary of the ________________ CLUB NAME _____________________ Toastmasters club of _______________________________ , do hereby certify that on the CITY & STATE/PROVINCE COUNTRY _________________________ day of ______________________ , _________ , this club adopted and agreed to be bound by the terms of this Constitution, effective upon the date that Toastmasters International issues a Charter to this club, by the vote of at least a majority of the active individual members of this club present and voting at a duly called and noticed club business meeting at which a quorum was at all times present. Dated: ____________________ , ________ _________________________________________________________ CLUB PRESIDENT Dated: ____________________ , ________ _________________________________________________________ CLUB SECRETARY Article I Mission and Purposes: 7. Provide opportunities and encouragement for its tion, accompanied by the initiation fee and applicable to express their thoughts creditably. dues, shall be returned to the club Secretary who shall The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. In order to carry out this mission, this club shall: 1. Help its individual members improve their abilities to communicate effectively; 2. Provide for its individual members’ instructions, educational materials and opportunities which will give them skill and experience in the preparation and delivery of speeches; 3. Encourage its individual members to read and to listen analytically; 4. Provide for its individual members’ fair and constructive evaluation of their efforts toward selfimprovement; 5. Increase its individual members’ knowledge of the rules of parliamentary procedure and their skills in conducting meetings and participating in group discussions; 6. Afford leadership training for its individual members; and provided by Toastmasters International. Such applica- individual members to appear before audiences and read it to this club. Article II Membership: Sec. 1. All individual members of this club shall be The applicant shall be declared elected to individual membership upon the favorable vote of at least a majority of the active individual members of this club at least 18 years of age. No person shall be excluded present and voting at a business meeting of the club from individual membership in, or from any program membership. The individual membership of this club or activity of, this club because of age (except those may be divided into three classifications: active, persons under 18 years of age), race, color, creed, inactive and honorary. gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or Sec. 3. All active individual members shall be physical or mental disability, so long as the individual, entitled to all rights and privileges of this club, and all through his or her own effort, is able to participate in individual members shall share in its responsibilities. the program. However, the Bylaws of this club may These responsibilities shall include support of its pur- provide for other restrictions on the composition of poses and constructive contribution to its program the individual membership, e.g., to the employees of a and activities. particular company or agency, residents of a specific community, or people sharing a special interest. Sec. 2. This club is a private association, and Sec. 4. Inactive individual membership is provided for as follows: (a) Inactive individual membership in this club membership herein shall be by invitation only. Any may be conferred by the Executive Committee of individual member may sponsor an eligible prospec- this club on any individual member requesting an tive individual member, and invite him or her to join extended absence from club meetings, or who this club, so long as the person is not currently sus- wishes to maintain individual membership with- pended or removed from good standing with out regular attendance at club meetings. An indi- Toastmasters International under Article III, Sec. 8, of vidual member may also be classified as inactive the Bylaws of Toastmasters International. Application for continued absence without notice. An inactive for individual membership shall be made on the form individual member may be restored to active How to Build a Toastmasters Club 23 # Cl Toa ub st Co ma ns ste tit rs ut ion 6 individual membership by the club Executive inconsistent with standards of conduct set by this club this club. Such dues shall be payable in advance at such Committee upon request, provided there is a or by Toastmasters International; or (d) for other just time as this club shall designate. Dues shall be paid by vacancy on the active roster of this club. cause. Such standards include ethical, political, and all individual members and by the dates specified to (b) Inactive individual members shall have no other standards of conduct that may be established by maintain individual membership in this club. voting privileges, shall not hold office, shall not be the Toastmasters International Board of Directors from counted toward a quorum of the club member- time to time and published as policy bulletins. This Article IV ship, and shall not participate in International club shall follow such policies and procedures as may Meetings and Notice: Speech Contests. However, this club may count be adopted by the Toastmasters International Board any inactive individual members toward qualifica- for club expulsions, suspensions, or other disciplinary include any business meeting of active individual tion for minimum Toastmasters International actions. If this club does not expel an individual members, shall be held as provided in the Bylaws of standards for member clubs. Inactive individual member for violations of Toastmasters International this club. members shall pay at least such portion of their standards of conduct, after written request to do so is club dues as this club pays to Toastmasters made by the International President, this club may be be called by a majority vote of the active individual International as the per capita payment for such expelled from Toastmasters International unless its members present and voting at any regular meeting at inactive individual member, and shall pay any failure to act can be justified to the satisfaction of the which a quorum is present, or by the club President. additional amount specified in the Bylaws of this Board of Directors. club. Except as provided herein, the rights, obligations, and conditions of inactive membership shall Article III be as stated in the Bylaws of this club. Initiation Fees and Dues: Sec. 5. Honorary individual membership may be Sec. 2. Special business meetings of this club may Sec. 3. Meetings of the club Executive Committee shall be held as provided in the Bylaws of this club. Sec. 4. No notice shall be required for regular business meetings held as provided in the Bylaws of this club. Notice of any change in the time or place of conferred upon any qualified person by the favorable ship in this club shall be as stated in the Bylaws of this any regular meeting, and notice of all special meetings, vote of at least two-thirds of the active individual club. Such fee shall be payable when an individual shall be given by mail, telephone, or other reasonable members of this club at a club business meeting. Such membership application is filed with the club Secretary. means at least four (4) days in advance of such meet- membership shall be restricted to persons whose activ- The fee shall be returned if the application is not ing to all individual members of this club. Notice of ities and public statements are consistent with the accepted. Immediately upon acceptance of a new special meetings shall include a statement of the gener- purposes of Toastmasters International. Honorary individual member, the club Secretary shall so notify al purposes of the meeting, but any membership busi- individual members have no voting privileges, shall World Headquarters of Toastmasters International, ness otherwise valid may be transacted at the meeting. not hold office, shall not be counted toward a quorum and each new individual member, on payment of this Sec. 5 If this club shall permanently change the time of the club membership, and shall not participate in fee and applicable dues, and being received into this or place of regular meetings as provided in the Bylaws speech contests. Honorary individual members shall club, shall be presented with a copy of the Commu- of this club, the club Secretary shall immediately pro- be exempt from all club fees and dues, and their per nication and Leadership manual and such other vide notice of such change to World Headquarters. capita payments to Toastmasters International shall be materials as may be provided for new individual paid by this club. Except as provided herein, the rights, members by Toastmasters International. obligations, and conditions of honorary membership shall be as stated in the Bylaws of this club. Sec. 6. Inactive and honorary individual members Sec. 2. Any fee for reinstatement of a former individual member shall be stated in the Bylaws of this club. Article V Quorum and Voting: Sec. 1. A majority of the active individual membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction are not eligible to serve in any club office. They are not Sec. 3. Any individual member in good standing entitled to places on the regular speakers’ program but desiring to transfer to another Toastmasters club may Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the may serve as substitutes when requested by the club request the club Secretary to furnish a letter or card transaction of the Committee’s business. President or the Toastmaster of the meeting. They showing the date to which the individual member’s per may also participate in club discussions and serve as capita payment to Toastmasters International is paid. entitled to one vote on any matter presented to the evaluators. When an applicant for individual membership in this club membership for a vote. Sec. 7. This club may establish, from time to time, club transfers from another Toastmasters club and of all business of this club. A majority of the club Sec. 2. Each active individual member shall be Sec. 3. No voting by proxy or absentee ballot shall routine procedures for dropping individual members presents a letter or card from said club showing indi- be permitted on any matter presented to the club who fail to pay club dues, who miss a certain number vidual membership in good standing and that a per membership for a vote. of meetings, or who fall below other minimum stan- capita payment to Toastmasters International is paid dards as determined by the club or Toastmasters Inter- for the current period, the applicant may be elected to Constitution or by the Bylaws of this club in a particu- national. In addition, this club may expel, suspend, or individual membership without payment of the initia- lar matter, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of decline to renew club membership of any individual tion fee, and upon payment of any transfer fee stated those active individual members who are present and member (a) who does not support this club’s purposes; in the Bylaws of this club. voting at a duly held business meeting at which a (b) who does not constructively contribute to this club’s program and activities; (c) who acts in a manner 24 Sec. 1. The initiation fee for individual member- Sec. 1. Regular meetings of this club, which shall How to Build a Toastmasters Club Sec. 4. The dues of this club for active and inactive individual members shall be as stated in the Bylaws of Sec. 4. Unless a greater vote is required by this quorum is present shall be the act of this club. # Cl Toa ub st Co ma ns ste tit rs ut ion 6 Article VI Officers: Sec. 1. The Officers of this club shall be a club President, a Vice President Education, a Vice President Membership, a Vice President Public Relations, a club Secretary, a club Treasurer (or a club Secretary/ Treasurer), a Sergeant at Arms, and the Immediate Past club President. Sec. 2. In addition to the Officers provided in this Constitution, this club may have such other Officers as may be provided in the Bylaws of this club, but Toastmasters International credit toward any educational award is limited to service as a club Officer named in this Constitution. Sec. 3. Officers shall serve for terms of one (1) year, provided that if, and only if, this club meets weekly throughout the year, this club may provide in its Bylaws that Officers shall serve for half-year terms. The terms of Officers serving an annual term shall commence at 12:01 a.m. on July 1 and end on June 30 at midnight. The terms of Officers serving a half-year term shall either commence at 12:01 a.m. on July 1 and end on December 31 at midnight, or commence at 12:01 a.m. on January 1 and end on June 30 at midnight. Sec. 7. Any Officer of this club may resign, provided Membership serves as one of this club’s representatives that any such resignation must be made in writing on the Area Council and shall take no action binding and delivered to the club President or club Secretary. upon this club without either specific prior authoriza- Unless any such resignation is, by its terms, effective tion or subsequent ratification by this club. on a later date, it shall be effective on delivery to such Sec. 4. The Vice President Public Relations is the club Officer, and no acceptance by this club shall be fourth ranking club Officer and is responsible for required to make it effective. Any Officer of this club developing and directing a publicity program that may be removed from office at any time, with or with- informs individual members and the general public out cause, by majority vote of all active individual about Toastmasters International. The Vice President members present and voting at a business meeting of Public Relations chairs the Public Relations Committee. this club. Sec. 8. Any vacancy in an Office, except for the Sec. 5. The club Secretary is responsible for club records and correspondence. The club Secretary has Immediate Past Club President, shall be filled by a spe- custody of the club’s Charter, Constitution, and Bylaws cial election held at the next business meeting following and all other records and documents of this club; the announcement of the vacancy. keeps an accurate record of the meetings and activities Sec. 9. Club Presidents elected for a term of one of this club and of the club Executive Committee; (1) year may not be re-elected for a successive term. maintains an accurate and complete roster of individ- Club Presidents elected for a term of a half-year may ual members of this club, including the address and be re-elected for one successive term of a half-year. status of each individual member; and transmits the same to the successor in office. The club Secretary Article VII provides notices of meetings as required by this Duties of Officers: Constitution, and immediately notifies World Sec. 1. The club President is the chief executive officer of this club and is responsible for fulfilling the Headquarters of Toastmasters International of any change in the roster of individual members. Sec. 4. Except for the Immediate Past Club mission of this club. The President presides at meet- Sec. 6. The club Treasurer is responsible for club President, the Officers of this club shall be elected by ings of this club and the club Executive Committee; financial policies, procedures, and controls. The club the active individual members of this club. If the office appoints all Committees; and has general supervision Treasurer receives and disburses, with the approval of Immediate Past Club President is vacated for any of the operation of this club. The President shall be an of this club, all club funds; pays to Toastmasters reason, it shall stay vacant for the remainder of the term. ex officio member of all Committees of this club International all financial obligations of this club as Sec. 5. Nominations for Club Officers shall be except the Club Nominating Committee and shall they come due; and keeps an accurate account of all made by a Club Nominating Committee appointed by serve as one of this club’s representatives on the Area transactions. The club Treasurer shall make financial the club President at least two (2) weeks prior to the and District Councils. The President shall transmit to reports to this club and to the club Executive Com- election. This Committee shall consist of three (3) this club for its approval or disapproval all ideas and mittee quarterly and upon request, and shall transmit active individual members. This Committee shall plans proposed by the Area and District Councils which the accounts and all undistributed funds to the succes- present its report at the regular business meeting may affect this club or its individual members; and sor in office at the end of the club Treasurer’s term. immediately preceding the business meeting at which shall take no action binding upon this club without Sec. 7. The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for the election is to take place, and shall present only the either specific prior authorization or subsequent ratifi- club property management, meeting room prepara- names of active individual members who have con- cation by this club. tion, and hospitality. The Sergeant at Arms chairs the sented to serve if elected. Further nominations may be Sec. 2. The Vice President Education is the second Social and Reception Committee. Sec. 8. The Immediate Past Club President provides made from the floor at the time of the election by any ranking club Officer and is responsible for planning, active individual member. All elections shall be by organizing and directing a club program which meets secret ballot, unless a secret ballot is dispensed with by the educational needs of the individual members. The unanimous vote, with a majority vote of all active indi- Vice President Education chairs the Education President Education shall be unable to attend a meet- vidual members present and voting necessary to elect Committee. The Vice President Education also serves ing of the District Council, they shall certify the proxy each Officer. The Chairman of the Club Nominating as one of this club’s representatives on the Area and credentials of the official representative or representa- Committee shall be the Immediate Past club President, District Councils and shall take no action binding tives of this club attending said District Council unless the best interests of the club require otherwise. upon this club without either specific prior auth- meeting. Such representative(s) shall be active individ- orization or subsequent ratification by this club. ual members of this club. Sec. 6. For Officers who serve terms of one (1) year, elections shall be held at the first meeting Sec. 3. The Vice President Membership is the third advice and counsel as requested by the club President. Sec. 9. In the event the club President and/or Vice Sec. 10. In addition to the duties stated in this in May in each year, to take office the following July. ranking club Officer and is responsible for planning, Constitution, each of the Officers of this club shall have For Officers who serve terms of a half-year, elections organizing and directing a program that ensures such duties and responsibilities as may be provided in shall be held at the first meetings in May and individual member retention and growth in club indi- the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, District Admin- November in each year, to take office the following vidual membership. The Vice President Membership istrative Bylaws, manuals, or other directives of Toast- July or January, respectively. chairs the Membership Committee. The Vice President masters International, or as may be assigned by this club. How to Build a Toastmasters Club 25 # Cl Toa ub st Co ma ns ste tit rs ut ion 6 Article VIII Article IX Committees: Rules of Order: Sec. 1. The Standing Committees of this club Sec. 1. Insofar as they do not conflict with the shall be the Executive, Education, Membership, Public Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Toastmasters Relations, and Social and Reception Committees. International, policies or procedures adopted by the Sec. 2. The club Executive Committee shall consist Toastmasters International Board of Directors, this Club of the Officers of this club named in this Constitution, Constitution, the Bylaws of this club, or laws applicable with the club President serving as the chairman. This to nonprofit corporations, Robert’s Rules of Order Committee shall have charge of all business and Newly Revised shall be the final authority as to parlia- administrative affairs of this club and shall consider all mentary procedure, provided that if this club is located matters concerning the welfare of this club. All actions in a jurisdiction where Robert’s Rules are not a recog- of the Executive Committee shall be submitted to this nized authority on parliamentary procedure, the club at the next business meeting for ratification. Any Bylaws of this club shall specify in place of Robert’s decision of the Executive Committee which this club Rules the name of the recognized authority in the fails to ratify shall be null and void. jurisdiction where this club is located. Sec. 3. The Education Committee shall have charge of the general educational program of this club. Sec. 2. A Parliamentarian may be appointed at each meeting by the club President. It shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, all program schedules of this club and shall publish the assignments Article X at least three (3) weeks in advance. This Committee Affiliation: Toastmasters International, nor to any individual member of this club. Sec. 5. This club is entitled to representation at all Toastmasters International Annual Business Meetings as provided in the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, and at any other meetings of the voting members of Toastmasters International, at Regional Conferences, and at District and Area Council meetings. This club shall select its representatives in sufficient time for the club President or club Secretary to validate the proper credentials for them. In the event this club is not represented at the Annual Business Meeting or the Regional Conference by personal representatives selected from this club, the Executive Committee of this club shall appoint and authorize a proxy with authority to act. Proxies for District Council Meetings shall be selected as set forth in Article VII, Sec. 9, above. Such representative or proxy shall be an active individual member of a Toastmasters International member club and must be in good shall assist in the utilization and interpretation of Sec. 1. Upon receiving a Charter from Toast- program and educational materials available from standing with Toastmasters International under Article masters International, and so long as this club remains Toastmasters International. It shall arrange for the III, Sec. 8, of the Bylaws of Toastmasters International. in good standing with Toastmasters International, this exchange of speakers and educational programs with Sec. 6. The Articles of Incorporation and the club shall be a member of Toastmasters International, other clubs and encourage speaking engagements of Bylaws of Toastmasters International, as they may be entitled to all the rights and powers, and subject to all individual members before non-Toastmasters groups. amended by their terms from time to time, and this the duties and requirements, of member clubs as may Constitution, as it may be amended from time to time be stated from time to time in the Articles of all applications for individual membership and report as provided in Article XII below, shall govern this club Incorporation and Bylaws of Toastmasters Inter- thereon to this club, and shall arrange for proper and all other Toastmasters clubs affiliated with national, in the District Administrative Bylaws, in this induction of all new individual members. This Toastmasters International. This club shall adopt no Constitution, and in policy bulletins issued by the Committee shall be responsible for maintaining club policy and shall take no action in conflict with the Toastmasters International Board of Directors. Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Toastmasters Sec. 4. The Membership Committee shall consider individual membership and attendance. It shall be the Sec. 2. This club shall also be affiliated with such International, with this Constitution, or with any goal of this Committee to ensure that the individual District of Toastmasters International as the Board of membership of this club is at all times at charter policy or purpose of Toastmasters International. This Directors may designate, and shall be represented on strength or better. Constitution shall at no time be in conflict with the that District Council as provided in the District Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or policies of Administrative Bylaws. Toastmasters International as they may be amended Sec. 5. The Public Relations Committee shall arrange the preparation and dissemination of news Sec. 3. This club shall make per capita member- releases regarding this club’s activities and educational from time to time. This club shall not have the power to ship payments and other payments on all individual programs and shall also promote opportunities for amend any reference in its Bylaws to this Constitution. members as required by Toastmasters International, community participation in Toastmasters’ learning provided that there shall be no change affecting the programs. It shall also be responsible for all internal financial obligations of this club to Toastmasters publications of this club, including the club newsletter. International except after notice by publication in The Sec. 6. The Social and Reception Committee shall Toastmaster magazine. be responsible for all social functions of this club and Sec. 4. This club is an independent legal entity, such other duties as may be assigned to it. It shall act separate from Toastmasters International and every as a reception committee at all meetings. other member club of Toastmasters International, sub- Sec. 7. In addition to the duties stated in this ject only to the express terms and conditions of affilia- Constitution, each of the Committees of this club shall tion stated in this Constitution and in the Toastmasters have such duties and responsibilities as may be provid- International documents identified in Section 1 of this ed in the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, District Article. As such, this club is fully responsible for its Administrative Bylaws, manuals, or other directives of own debts, liabilities, and other obligations, and any Toastmasters International, or as may be assigned by creditor of this club shall look only to the assets of this this club. 26 International, nor to any other member club of How to Build a Toastmasters Club club for payment, and not to Toastmasters Article XI Legal Status and Dissolution: Sec. 1. This club is an unincorporated association formed solely for the purpose of privately educating its individual members. This club is not legally affiliated with any company, agency, or special interest group from which this club may draw its individual members. The use of the funds of this club shall be limited to educational purposes. They may not be used for social or political purposes, or for the benefit of any individual. Sec. 2. In the event of dissolution of this club, distribution of any funds, after payment of any indebtedness, shall be made either by contribution to any # Cl Toa ub st Co ma ns ste tit rs ut ion 6 educational research or memorial fund maintained of the club present and voting at a club business meet- membership within five (5) calendar years by Toastmasters International, or by contribution to ing at which a quorum is present; such approval shall before the meeting at which the amendment another Toastmasters club or to a Toastmasters be evidenced by a certificate stating the proposed will be submitted, such prior proposed District. amendment signed by all the active individual club amendment shall have received no less than members who voted to approve the proposed amend- thirty percent (30%) of the votes cast; pro- club shall be governed by and interpreted in accor- ment. Each proposing club shall submit such a certifi- vided that no proposed amendment shall be dance with the laws of the State of California, where cate to the Board of Directors no later than the placed before the voting members if it has Toastmasters International is incorporated, regardless December 31 deadline. The proposed amendment been rendered moot; substantially duplicates of the location of this club. shall be placed before the voting members of or is encompassed by another proposed Toastmasters International only if the proposed amendment at the same meeting; is illegal; is Article XII amendment and certificate(s) are presented to and designed to further a personal claim, griev- Amendments to Club Constitution: received by the Board no later than December 31 and ance, or interest; is beyond the power of one of the following conditions is met: Toastmasters International to effectuate; or is Sec. 3. This Constitution and the Bylaws of this Sec. 1. This Constitution may be amended only by a majority of the votes cast at an Annual Business (a) The Board of Directors votes to place the pro- Meeting or a special meeting of the voting member- posed amendment before the voting membership; ship of Toastmasters International. or Sec. 2. Proposed amendments may be submitted by the Board of Directors to the voting membership of Toastmasters International at any time up to sixty (60) days before the membership meeting at which they will be considered. Sec. 3. Proposed amendments may also be submitted by Toastmasters clubs to the Annual Business Meeting of Toastmasters International as follows: Proposed amendments must be presented in writing to and received by the Board of Directors no later than December 31 before the Annual Business Meeting at which they are to be submitted. The proposing club, or each proposing club if there is more than one, shall have approved the proposed amendment by the vote of at least two-thirds of the active individual members not a proper subject for this Constitution under California law. Sec. 4. Notice of any proposed amendments to be (b) The amendment is proposed by at least one submitted to the voting membership of Toastmasters percent (1%) of all the votes held by the voting International for a vote shall be mailed by the membership of Toastmasters International, includ- Executive Director to each voting member at least ing member clubs and Delegates at Large; or sixty (60) days before the meeting, together with any (c) (1) the proponent(s) of the amendment agree recommendation of the Board of Directors thereon. to bear the full reasonable administrative cost Any such recommendation shall also be presented to to Toastmasters International of submitting the voting members at the meeting before the vote is the proposed amendment to the voting taken on the proposed amendments. No amendments membership for a vote; and to the proposed amendment may be made during the (2) no other club Constitution amendment meeting, nor at any time after sixty (60) days prior to proposed by any proponent of the amend- the meeting. ment shall be placed before the voting mem- Sec. 5. In the event of two or more Club Consti- bership at the same meeting; and tution amendment proposals presented to the same (3) if an amendment on substantially the meeting of members, which the Board determines to be same subject has been voted on by the voting in conflict with each other, only the proposal receiving the highest majority of votes cast shall be adopted. How to Build a Toastmasters Club 27 28 How to Build a Toastmasters Club # To Cl astm ub a By ste law rs s 6 Bylaws of the _______________________________________________ __________ CLUB NAME Toastmasters Club of ___________________________________________________________ CITY & STATE/PROVINCE COUNTRY Club No. ______________________ District No. ________________________ Article I Name: The name and location of this club shall be as set forth above in the title of these Bylaws. Such name and location may be changed as provided in Article VII below. Article II Membership: Sec. 1. Subject to the nondiscrimination requirements set forth in Section 1 of Article II of the Club Constitution, individual membership in this club shall be restricted to ________ ____________________________________________ __________________________________________ . Sec. 3. Reinstatement to individual membership of Sec. 3. The Executive Committee of this club shall a former individual member shall call for a payment of meet at least _________________ , at such hours and a reinstatement fee of $_______________. places as it may determine. (The reinstatement fee is optional and, if collected, is retained by the club. If the club does not charge a rein- Article V statement fee, place a “0” on the line above.) Election of Officers: Sec. 4. The fee for an individual member of Sec. 1. The Officers of this club shall be as provid- another Toastmasters club who transfers into this club ed in the Club Constitution, with selection, duties, and shall be $_____________ . Other conditions of trans- terms as provided therein. In addition, this club shall fer into this club shall be as stated in the Club have as Officers Constitution. ____________________________________ (The transfer fee is optional and, if collected, is retained ____________________________________________ by the club. If the club does not charge a transfer fee, __________________________________________ . place a “0” on the line above.) Sec. 2. The additional Officers of this club provided Sec. 5. The dues of this club for inactive individ- in the preceding Section shall be selected and have (If no restrictions will be placed on membership in this ual members shall be $_______________ per person duties as follows: club, write in “no restrictions” on line above.) per _____________ . Such dues shall be payable in ____________________________________________ advance on or before _________ . ____________________________________________ Sec. 2. Honorary individual memberships in this club shall be conferred for a term of _______ year(s) (The club may set the dues for inactive individual mem- and otherwise as provided in the Club Constitution. bers at any amount up to the amount of dues for active individual members, provided that inactive individual Article III Fees and Dues: Sec. 1. The initiation fee for individual member- (The dues collected from a new individual member in addition to the initiation fee shall include the new _____________________________________ . member dues must include the per capita payment required of this club to Toastmasters International attrib- (If this club does not wish to elect additional Officers, utable to such inactive individual member, as provided write “none” above in both Sec. 1 and Sec. 2.) in the Club Constitution.) ship in this club shall be $__________ , payable as provided in the Club Constitution. ____________________________________________ Sec. 3. This club elects Officers for the following terms of office (check one): Article IV Meetings: Sec. 1. Regular meetings of this club, which shall □ Half-year terms, from July 1 to December 31 and from January 1 to June 30. □ Full-year terms, from July 1 to June 30. individual member fee and per capita payment to include any business meeting of active individual Toastmasters International, plus any club dues.) members, shall be held every ______________ , at (Clubs meeting every week throughout the entire year such hour and place as this club from time to time may choose half-year terms; all other clubs must choose shall designate. full-year terms. The beginning and end of the terms are Sec. 2. The dues of this club for active individual members shall be $____________ per person per _____________ . Such dues shall be payable in advance on or before _____________. (club dues shall include the amount of the Toastmasters International per capita payment.) set forth in Article VI, Sec. 3, of the Club Constitution.) Sec. 2. Special business meetings of this club may be called by a majority vote of the active individual members present and voting at any regular meeting at which a quorum is present, or by the club President. How to Build a Toastmasters Club 29 6# To Cl astm ub a By ste law rs s within the scope of permitted amendments, these Bylaws amendment to the Executive Director at World Bylaws may be amended, including amendments to Headquarters of Toastmasters International for review. change the name or location of this club, at any duly If Toastmasters International finds that the amendment called and noticed business meeting of this club at does not exceed the scope of permitted amendments to authority on parliamentary procedure in the jurisdic- which a quorum is present, by the affirmative vote of the Bylaws of this club and is not otherwise improper, tion where this club is located, __________________ at least two-thirds of the active individual members the amendment shall be filed in the records of ___________________________________________ present and voting. Any such amendment must be pro- Toastmasters International. If Toastmasters shall be deemed substituted for Robert’s Rules in posed in writing by an active individual member at the International determines that the amendment exceeds Article IX, Sec. 1, of the Club Constitution with respect meeting immediately preceding that at which the the scope of permitted amendments or is otherwise to this club. amendment is to be voted on. improper, Toastmasters International shall so notify Article VI Rules of Order: Sec. 1. Since Robert’s Rules are not a recognized this club, and the amendment shall be null, void, and (Complete this Article only if this club is located in a Sec. 2. The scope of these Bylaws, and any amend- jurisdiction where Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised ments to these Bylaws, is limited to the matters specifi- are not recognized parliamentary authority.) cally placed within the discretion of this club by the of no effect. Club Constitution or by a policy of the Board of Directors of Toastmasters International. This club shall Article VII not have the power to amend any reference in these Bylaws Amendments: to the Club Constitution. Sec. 1. Subject to the review of Toastmasters International, and provided the proposed amendment is Sec. 3. Upon its adoption by this club, the club Secretary shall immediately mail a copy of any CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY I, ________________________________________ , certify that I am presently the duly elected and acting Secretary of ______________________________ Toastmasters Club, Club Number ________________ , an unincorporated association, and that the above Bylaws, consisting of __________ pages, are the Bylaws of this club as adopted at a duly called and noticed business meeting of this club at which a quorum was at all times present, by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the active individual members present and voting, on __________________________, ______________ . Dated: ____________________ , ________ _________________________________________________________ CLUB SECRETARY 30 How to Build a Toastmasters Club Glossary of Governing Documents The following glossary collects definitions found through- the Executive Director that commences membership in together into Divisions. Districts are governed by the out the governing documents (Articles of Incorporation, Toastmasters International of a member club. District Administrative Bylaws. Administrative Bylaws, Toastmasters Club Constitution CLUBS OR MEMBER CLUBS: Groups which have DIVISIONS: Administrative units into which some and Standard Club Bylaws) for convenient reference. subscribed to the purposes and ideals of Toastmasters Districts of Toastmasters International are divided, However, this glossary does not contain every term used International and have been granted a Charter and each under the direction of a Division Governor and in the governing documents, nor are these summary defi- continue to function in compliance with the condi- consisting of a number of adjacent Areas. nitions intended to substitute for the full definitions given tions set forth in the Articles of Incorporation, the in the governing documents themselves. If any question Bylaws, the Club Constitution, the policies established EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Depending on the con- should arise concerning the definition of any term in this by the Board of Directors, and the decisions of the text, any of the following: (1) The Executive Committee glossary, the reader is advised to consult the governing Board and its authorized agents and representatives. of the Board of Directors, which exercises the power of documents. Nothing in this glossary shall be considered clubs are unincorporated associations, existing as legal the Board in some circumstances, and consists of the in legally or judicially construing the meaning of any entities separate from, but affiliated with, Toastmasters International President, the three Vice Presidents, the term in the governing documents. International. Immediate Past International President, and the ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING: The regular yearly CONSTITUTION OR CLUB CONSTITUTION: voting rights; or (2) the Executive Committee of a meeting of the voting members of Toastmasters Toastmasters Club Constitution for member clubs of District of Toastmasters International, consisting of the International, held during the International Toastmasters International, which is standard for all District Governor, the Lieutenant Governor Education Convention. clubs and must be adopted by a club in order to become and Training, the Lieutenant Governor Marketing, the a member club within Toastmasters International. Public Relations Officer, the District Secretary, the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, District Executive Director as an ex officio member without AREAS: Administrative units within each District of Toastmasters International, each of which is under the direction of an Area Governor. The District may organize Areas together into Divisions. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION: The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Toastmasters International, as filed with the California Secretary of State. District Treasurer, the Area Governors, and any Division CORPORATION, THIS OR THE: Toastmasters International, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. DELEGATES AT LARGE: The Toastmasters International President, the Vice Presidents, the International Directors, Past International Presidents, Past International Directors, and District Governors, subject to the conditions of membership stated in the Bylaws. nonprofit public benefit corporation, consisting of 22 voting Directors, who are the International President, the Senior Vice President, the Second and Third Vice Presidents, the Immediate Past International President, two International Directors from each of eight geo- Governor; or (3) the Executive Committee of a member club, consisting of the Officers of the club named in the club’s Constitution; i.e., a club President, a Vice President Education, a Vice President Membership, a Vice President Public Relations, a club Secretary, a club Treasurer, (or a club Secretary/Treasurer) a Sergeant at Arms, and the Immediate Past Club President. BOARD OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Board of Directors of Toastmasters International, a California Governors, together with the Immediate Past District DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: The person through whom member clubs exercise their rights and obligations of membership; generally the President of the member club. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: The Executive Director of Toastmasters International, who is the managing officer of the corporation under the supervision of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors and is DIRECTOR: A voting member of the Board of appointed by the Board of Directors. Directors of Toastmasters International. graphic Regions, and one elected International GOOD STANDING OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Director from outside the United States and Canada. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE BYLAWS: The central OF CLUBS: Membership status required in order for The Executive Director of Toastmasters International document governing administration of the Districts of individual members of clubs to vote at the club level is an ex officio member of the Board without voting Toastmasters International, issued and modified from or otherwise participate in Toastmasters International privileges. time to time by the Board of Directors. activities open to individual members of clubs. Good BYLAWS: Depending on the context, either: DISTRICTS: Administrative units of Toastmasters member into a club, and thereafter continues so long (1) the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, a International, organized based on the territory covered as the individual remains a member of the club, the California nonprofit public benefit corporation; or (2) by groups of adjacent member clubs, whose bound- club is not suspended or terminated, the club pays the Standard Club Bylaws for member clubs. aries are established and modified subject to the when due fees and payments relating to such member, approval of the Board of Directors. Each District is the club continues to recognize the individual as a designated by a number. Each District is divided into member in good standing, and the individual member Areas, and in some Districts, Areas are organized has not been suspended or removed from good standing is presumed on admission of an individual CHARTER: A document issued by World Headquarters and signed by the International President and How to Build a Toastmasters Club 31 standing with Toastmasters International by action of of the District Council (each Past District Governor the Nominating Committee, the Advisory Committee the Board of Directors. shall be an ex officio Officer of the District); or (3) a of Past Presidents, the Marketing and Education member club of Toastmasters International, who are Committee, the Governance and Policy Committee, INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS: Persons who are members a club President, a Vice President Education, a Vice and the District Administration Committee of of clubs that are members of Toastmasters President Membership, a Vice President Public Toastmasters International, and such other Committees International. Relations, a club Secretary, a club Treasurer (or a club as the Board from time to time may establish (except Secretary/Treasurer), a Sergeant at Arms, and the for the Executive Committee, these Committees are Immediate Past club President. advisory and do not exercise the power of the Board of INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT: The President of Toastmasters International, who is the chief executive QUORUM: The minimum number of the voting Board of Directors and the Annual Business Meeting. and Training Committee, Marketing Committee, Public members required to be present for a meeting Relations Committee, Nominating Committee, and to legally transact business. The Bylaws of Toastmasters Audit Committee of a District of Toastmasters Inter- International contain an Article stating the quorum national; or (3) the Executive, Education, Membership, requirements for the Annual Business Meeting and Public Relations, and Social and Reception Committees other member meetings, for the Board of Directors, of a member club of Toastmasters International. MANUAL OF MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS: A manual adopted and modified from time to time by the Board of Directors of Toastmasters International, containing policy bulletins for the administration of the organization. and for Board Committees. The District Administrative Bylaws and Club Constitution also contain VOTE…OF THE BOARD: A vote in which the OFFICERS: Depending on the context, the Officers of: quorum requirements for meetings at the District and required majority or greater percentage necessary for (1) Toastmasters International, who are the Interna- club levels. action shall be calculated using the number of tional President, the Senior Vice President, the Second and Third Vice Presidents, the Immediate Past International President, the 17 International Directors, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Executive Director, and the District Governor for each District of Toastmasters International; or (2) a District of Toastmasters International, who are the District Officers, consisting of the District Governor, the Lieutenant Governor Education and Training, the Lieutenant Governor Directors present at a duly noticed meeting at which REGIONS: Geographic areas representing the territory may be modified from time to time by a two-thirds VOTE…OF THE ENTIRE BOARD: A vote in which vote of the entire Board. Each Region should have as the required majority or greater percentage necessary nearly as possible an equal number of clubs, and no for action shall be calculated using the total number Region should have more than 15% of the total num- of Directors then in office. ber of member clubs in good standing at the end of the fiscal year immediately preceding any modification. WORLD HEADQUARTERS: The principal place of business of Toastmasters International, in Rancho STANDING COMMITTEES: Depending on the con- Secretary, the District Treasurer, Area Governors, and text, any of the following: (1) the Executive Committee, How to Build a Toastmasters Club a quorum is present. of groups of member clubs, the boundaries of which Marketing, the Public Relations Officer, the District possibly including Division Governors at the discretion 32 Directors); or (2) the Executive Committee, Education officer of the corporation and who presides over the Santa Margarita, California. Appendix Charter Kit Contents Catalog # Description 400 163INDV 1205 210C 37 1310H 307 308 1111 1111C 375 1140 125 1312 403 1160 401A 1162 405 1314 1173 1171 1315 901 Application/Clubs Assigned To a District Ballots & Brief Evaluations (Set of 250) Catalog Club Constitution And Bylaws Club Dues Receipt Pad Club Officer Manual Set Competent Communication Achievement Chart Competent Leadership Achievement Chart Distinguished Club Program/Club Success Plan Distinguished Club Program Wall Chart Gavel Let the World Know Marketing Card Set (Set of 40) Master Your Meetings Member Interest Surveys (Pad of 25) Membership Building Kit Membership Cards (Set of 50) New Member Orientation Kit for Clubs New Member Profile Sheet (Set of 10) Patterns in Programming Speech Contest Manual Speech Contest Rules Think Fast! Table Topics Handbook Timing Cards Toastmaster magazine Welcome to Toastmasters! DVD 244DVD Quantity 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 20 1 New Member Kit Contents Catalog # Description 225 265 202 201 1328 1222 1223 1220 1206 1221 199 Competent Communication Manual Competent Leadership Manual Effective Evaluation Gestures: Your Body Speaks Member Achievement Record New Member Kit Folder New Member Postcard New Member Profile New Member Welcome Tools for New Toastmasters Your Speaking Voice Quantity 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 How to Build a Toastmasters Club 33 34 How to Build a Toastmasters Club How to Build a Toastmasters Club 35 36 How to Build a Toastmasters Club TOASTMASTERS ® INTERNATIONAL
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